Sgt. Robert Day loves everything about flying except for one thing: the airborne part. A whiz on combat flight simulators, flying just made the Warrior Transition Unit Soldier anxious and nervous.
That all changed, however, when on January 6 the Fort Hood Soldier took a gigantic step forward and climbed into the backseat of a World War II vintage fighter. For the next 30 minutes, Sergeant Day was nothing but smiles as the P-51 Mustang soared and raced through the clear blue skies over Burnet, Texas.
"It was awesome," said the 17-year career Soldier, who said he's dreamed for years of going up in the World War II legendary fighter. "I've been flying this plane for 16 years on the flight simulator computer programs and never imagined I would ever experience what it's like to ride in it."
The in-flight experience, courtesy of Burnet-based Freedom Flyers, not only was to help Sergeant Day conquer his fear of flying, but also to reward him for his valuable contributions to our nation and to our military.
"We try to put our Soldiers in situations to ease them along and help them take that first step forward," said his platoon sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Alfredo Garcia, said about his 'go-to' Soldier. "We knew he wanted help with the issue of flying so this experience allowed him to take that step forward. And, if he needed to take a step back, we would be there to comfort and support him."
Day said his airborne fears intensified after enduring C-130 combat landings in Iraq.
"It's the scariest thing ever. Roller coasters don't even come close to` it," he said, adding how anxious he is to pull the plug on a major travel obstacle in 'getting there.' "It'll be just nice to be able to go somewhere in a couple of hours versus a couple of days."
But Day wasn't the only one enjoying the flight.
"It was a joy just watching Sergeant Day's in-flight reaction," said Freedom Flyer pilot Cowden Ward, who along with Jim Connors, partnered with the WTU's leadership to help provide the tailored experience to help Sergeant Day's healing process while assigned to the WTU. "He was having a great time up there," adding he was glad to be helping in a Soldier's recovery process by providing a diversion from worrying about something else.
For Connors, it was all about the smile.
"That's my reward," said an emotional Connors, grateful that he was able to fulfill a long time dream of Day's. "It really is an honor to be able to give back."
Sergeant Day doesn't know when he'll be traveling by commercial plane, but he credits the WTU and its leadership with helping him move forward with the boarding process.
"I am so grateful for this experience and my command team for making this happen. The opportunities WTU soldiers have here are phenomenal," the Lawton, Okla., Soldier said, praising the military leadership of the WTU for always being there and taking care of him. "The care and love I have received here is actually making it hard for me to get out of the Army because they've made me feel so much better. "
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